PERCHING BIRDS 



480.1. Blue-eared Jay. Aphelocoma cyanotis. 



Range. — Interior of Mexico north to the southern bound- 

 ary of Texas. 



The nesting habits of this species are the same as those 

 of the others of the genus and the eggs are similar but 

 the markings are generally more prominent and larger. 

 Size 1.10 X .80. 



•1-80.2. '1'kxas Jay. Aphelocoma texana. 



Range. — Southeastern Texas. 



It is not likely that the eggs of this species differ es- 

 sentially from those of many of the others. 



481. California Jay. 

 californica. 



Range. 



.Iplielocoina californica 



-ls4a 



-Pacific coast of California and Washington. 



This is a very abundant species 

 both about habitations and in low 

 woodlands. They are very bold 

 and familiar, stealing everything 

 they may take a fancy to, and fre- 

 quently robbing smaller birds of 



their eggs and young. They are said to be more tame 

 and familiar than the eastern Blue Jay, thereby bring- 

 ing their bad habits much more frequently to the atten- 

 tion of the masses. They nest most often in bushes or 

 low trees, but not as a rule, far above the ground. Their eggs are a bright 

 bluish green color, speckled and spotted with brownish and lavender. Siz':j 

 1.10 X .80. 



P.ri5»iit blui.sh green 



.^I^Jr-SA: 



481a. Xanti's's Jay. Aplielocoiiia californica lii/poleuca. 



Range. — Lower California. 



The habits and nests and eggs of this lighter colored variety do not differ 

 from those of the California Jay. 



481b. Bi'^lding's Jay. Aphelocoma californica ohscura. 



Range. — San Pedro Martir Mts. Lower California. 



A darker variety of the California Jay, whose nesting habits will not differ in 

 any essential particular. 



481.1. Santa Cruz Jay. Aphelocoma insnlaris. 



Range. — Santa Cruz Island, California. 



This species is the largest and darkest colored bird 

 of the genus AijhchKonia. It is said to be a very abund- 

 ant species on the island from which it takes its name, 

 and to have the habits and traits common to all the 

 members of the Jay family. The nesting habits are 

 the same as those of the others, but the eggs are slightly 

 larger, averaging 1.15 x .85. 



set of three in the collection of John Lewis Childs, taken 

 by R. H. Beck on May 10, 1897. 



482. Arizona Jay. Aphelocoma sieberi arizonae. 



Range. — Arizona and southwestern New Mexico south intf) Mexico. 



307 



Greenish blue 



